“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
– II Timothy 2:15 NKJV
Welcome to the 28th devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt the importance of diligent Bible study and the right tools and techniques for Bible study. We also learnt to focus on God’s word daily.
Monday’s article emphasised the importance of Bible study. The Bible is God’s primary way of guiding His children because we find direction and clarity in the word (Psalm 119: 105). The word also equips us to do good works (2 Timothy 3: 17). In the Bible, we see God’s love for us– as expressed in His work of salvation– and His love to the rest of the world– by commissioning us to reach them with the gospel.
Tuesday’s devotional admonished us to diligently study the Bible (2 Timothy 2: 15). After salvation, the next most important thing for the believer is to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. To avoid wrong interpretations and false doctrine, we must rightly divide the word of truth by thoroughly examining the background, context and intent of bible texts. We must also realise that every scripture must point to Christ.
On Wednesday, we learnt about some Bible study tools. Like with every other craft, for us to study the bible effectively, we must utilise the proper tools. The most important Bible study tool is a good Bible teacher to accurately interpret God’s word (Philippians 4: 9, Ephesians 4: 11-12). We become better Bible scholars with Lexicons, which provide literal translations of Greek and Hebrew words, Bible commentaries which aid in interpretation, and writing materials which help us learn, meditate and memorise scriptures.
Thursday’s article taught us the proper Bible study techniques. To succeed in a course, you must know the study techniques peculiar to that course. Therefore, there is also the right way to study the Bible (2 Timothy 2: 15). The most potent method for Bible Study is having delight and honour for the word, spending time with and in it (Nehemiah 8, Joshua 1:8). Others include taking interpretation seriously and seeking guidance when needed. We also have to rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us.
On Friday, we discussed making the word of God our daily focus. Bible study is not a ritual to perform only when we feel like it. It is an essential habit we must cultivate. Our assignment to preach the gospel to the world requires us to study the word diligently and consistently. To do this effectively, we must create structures that ensure we feed on God’s word daily just like the early church (Acts 2:42).
Dear believer, the Bible is God’s word to you. Decide to be diligent in your approach to studying it, yield to the Spirit of God, and let Him help your understanding of His word.
Have a great weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 13-15